Скачать или смотреть God's Sovereign Rule: Creation, Steadfast Love, and the Worship of the King

Original recording date: December 11, 2015

Matthew 2:1-12: The Visit of the Magi

Sometime after Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, a group of Magi (wise men) from the east arrived in Jerusalem, following a star that signaled the birth of the "king of the Jews". They inquired with King Herod, who was troubled by the news and deceitfully planned to eliminate any potential rival. Consulting his religious leaders, Herod learned the Messiah was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem. 

Herod instructed the Magi to find the child and report back to him, pretending he also wanted to worship the new king. The Magi continued to Bethlehem, guided by the star, and were overjoyed to find Jesus. They bowed and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. After their visit, God warned the Magi in a dream not to return to Herod, so they traveled back to their homeland by a different route.

Psalm 136: The Great Hallel

Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving, structured as an antiphonal reading where each of its 26 verses ends with the refrain: "For his steadfast love endures forever". The psalm recounts God's power and faithfulness throughout creation and the history of Israel:

Praise for God's nature: It begins by calling for thanks to the Lord, the God of gods and Lord of lords, who alone does great wonders.
Praise for Creation: It praises God for his wisdom in creating the heavens, the earth, the sun, moon, and stars.

Praise for Israel's deliverance: The psalmist recalls the Exodus from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, guidance through the wilderness, and the defeat of mighty kings (Sihon and Og), all as proof of God's enduring love.
Universal Provision: It concludes by noting God provides food for all living creatures and is the God of heaven. The repeated refrain emphasizes that God's covenant love and mercy are eternal and unchanging.

Genesis 1:26-31: The Creation of Humanity

This passage details the creation of humanity on the sixth day. God declared, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness". Key aspects of this creation include:

Image of God: Humans were uniquely created in God's image, implying moral, spiritual, and intellectual capacities that distinguish them from animals.

Male and Female: God created humanity as both male and female, granting them shared dignity and value.

Dominion Mandate: God blessed them and gave them dominion and authority over the earth and every living creature (fish, birds, livestock, etc.). This responsibility involves caring for and stewarding creation.

Provision and Goodness: God provided every seed-bearing plant and fruit for food for both humans and animals. At the end of the sixth day, God observed all that he had made, "and it was very good".

Genesis 1:26-31 details God as the sovereign Creator, who made humanity in His own image and gave them dominion to rule over the earth as His representatives. This passage emphasizes the goodness of God's creation and humanity's intended purpose within it.

Psalm 136 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, celebrating God's power over creation, His historical acts of redemption (like the Exodus), and His sustained provision for all living things. The repeated refrain, "His steadfast love endures forever," highlights God's unchanging and merciful nature as the ultimate King and sustainer.

Matthew 2:1-12 narrates the visit of the Magi, who recognize and worship Jesus as the newborn "King of the Jews," fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The story contrasts the worshipful response of the Gentile Magi with the hostility and indifference of King Herod and the Jewish religious leaders, illustrating the universal scope of Jesus' kingship and God's sovereign control in protecting His Son.

All three passages focus on God's sovereignty (His ultimate authority and control), His benevolent rule over creation and history, and the appropriate human response of worship and joyful obedience to Him as King.

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